Simchat Torah
On Thursday evening, October 16, you may have heard loud and joyous celebrations around the city. The joyous dancing of Simchat Torah was celebrated at six separate JRCC Simchat Torah events. Combined, about 2,500 participants enjoyed buffet dinners and l’chaim, followed by uplifting hakafot and dancing. Special programs and prize giveaways were organized for the children to help get them into the holiday spirit. The energy at the JRCC’s Simchat Torah was electrifying as always. All you had to do was walk into the room, and you were automatically swept up into the joyous spirit and just couldn’t help but join in the dancing.
Sukkot parties for children
Sukkot is referred to in Judaism as "the time of our rejoicing," and hundreds of people of all ages participated in JRCC Sukkot family celebrations all week long. JRCC branches at Rockford, West Thornhill, East Thornhill, and S Richmond Hill & Maple all held family Sukkot parties featuring music, prizes, children’s entertainment, and holiday-themed crafts and activities that made the holiday spirit palpable. The entire family was also invited to engage in the Sukkot experience by eating pizza in the Sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog. Special events were also held for teens and seniors. In all, it is estimated that over 1,000 people participated in seven different events, not including the adult events listed below.
Sukkot Parties / farbrengen for adults
In addition to the family parties, JRCC branches also hosted evenings specifically for adults to focus on their own spiritual growth and social activities, and to experience the joy of Sukkot and “Simchat Beit HaShoeva” in the own way. The JRCC @ Rockford held its annual Sukkah Hop with an international theme - participants travelled from sukkah to sukkah and tasted foods from all over the world. The JRCC West Thornhill themed its event “Salads and Soups in the Sukkah,” the JRCC East Thornhill held a party and farbrengen in honor of Rabbi Mendel’s birthday, which falls on Sukkot, and the JRCCs Richmond Hill & Maple hosted a “Soup in the Sukkah” evening.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Clubs Open
The JRCC Bar and Bat Mitzvah Clubs began their new annual session this fall. Over one hundred 11-12 year-old boys and girls registered for an exciting program that aims to connect them to their Jewish heritage in anticipation of their upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. In addition to Jewish learning, students experience hands-on workshops, field trips, and have plenty of fun together that builds friendships and creates a sense of community. JRCC Bar and Bat Mitzvah Club programs are available in the early evening every day of the week at various locations. It is still not too late to join the current session. Contact your local JRCC branch, visit jrcc.org/bmc or call 416.222.7105 for more information.
